Album Mini-review: The Coral — Distance Inbetween
File Next to: Echo and the Bunnymen, The Doors, The Cult
Standing astride two rock subgenres – Britpop and a sort of Paisley Underground revival – The Coral have been releasing quality albums since their self-titled debut in 2002. They’ve been a relatively consistent hitmaker in the UK, with all but one of their albums top-tenning, but aside from some lower-rung chart action for their debut, they’ve never caught on with a significant American audience. And that’s unfortunate, because the group’s sound – as showcased on their latest, Distance Inbetween – rocks convincingly, with a moody, hypnotic vibe, and with solid hooks throughout. The vaguely exotic “Connector” recalls Led Zeppelin‘s “Kashmir” wedded to a catchier (and more danceable) melody. It’s a bit late for The Coral to become the next big thing among guitar-based rock groups, but it’s never too late to discover their fine music.
Note: This review appeared previously in the Colorado Springs Independent.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.